Extracts from the article below. Complete article here – https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2018/jul/13/what-can-the-uk-do-to-attract-overseas-students-imitate-australia
Recognising higher education as a major export is essential if the sector is to compete in the global marketplace
A recent event of real importance to UK higher education has gone relatively unnoticed. When the Home Office expanded list of countries that will benefit from a streamlined Tier 4 application process, it made it far easier for students from 11 countries, including China, to get visas to study in the UK.
According to Ucas figures, 58,450 non-EU university applications were received as of January 2018 – the largest number ever recorded.
The National Statistics does not currently accurately track the sector’s performance(HE) making it harder to gauge the challenges and opportunities it faces and to compare it to competitor countries. ….. Adding education to the list would bring the vast contribution of this sector into sharper focus, particularly as it is believed to make the second largest contribution to the UK economy after financial services.
At present, every international graduate gets four months to find a job once they’ve completed their course. This is difficult for even the most skilled graduates, regardless of nationality. In Australia, all graduates are given two to four years.
The Home Office has expanded the list of countries from which students will be able to benefit from a streamlined application process. Students from an additional 11 countries, including China, will be able to provide a reduced level of documentation when applying for their Tier 4 visa. All students from these countries still need to meet all requirements under Tier 4 and UK Visas and Immigration reserves the right to request this evidence in full and will do so for a random sample of applications. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/716674/CCS207_CCS0618810832-1_HC1154_Web_Accessible.pdf
Streamlined application extended and now includes:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Botswana
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- The Dominican Republic
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Malaysia
- The Maldives
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Qatar
- Serbia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
Ray Brogden COO of Qualifi Awarding Organisation applauds the changes recently announced and encourages education providers to consider the potential benefits this can yield for their institution. Qualifi provides Ofqual regulated qualifications at levels 2 to 8 inclusive; eligible candidates (UK and EU) can utilise Advanced Learner Loans to cover the cost of their tuition fees when studying one of our Ofqual regulated qualifications at a recognised centre in England. Those colleges holding a Tier 4 sponsor licence can offer students access to Qualifi’s L3, 4 and 5 qualifications delivered within their institution prior to students progressing from L5 to final year honours degree studies at one of our partner universities. Alternatively, your college can provide blended learning delivery allowing international students to remain in their home country pending doing a final year honours degree Top Up (via attendance in the UK or through an in home country flying faculty arrangement enabled by Qualifi). For further information please contact Ray at ray@qualifi.net or visit the Qualifi website at https://qualifi.net/progression-routes/